For any of us, moving into a new home can be filled with anxiety. Even simple things like choosing a garbage hauler, paying the utility deposit or meeting the next-door neighbors can be unnerving.
A mentor's task is to help make the entire homeownership process (sweat equity, construction, closing, assumption of responsibilities) one that builds the confidence of the partner family.
What are the qualities of a good mentor?
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A good listener and relationship builder
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Sensitive to and experience with other issues that may result from living with a limited income (such as lack of education, low self-esteem, anxiety, frustration)
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Skilled in a variety of areas (construction experience, budgeting, etc.)
- Willingness and flexibility
What are my responsibilities as a mentor?
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Build a rapport with the family you have been assigned
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Serve as a liaison between the family and the Habitat office to ensure the family understands the requirements of becoming a Habitat homeowner with regards to the following:
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Sweat Equity (100 hrs required by family and friends before selection of a lot)
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Down payment requirements ($2000 total with $500 due upon approval, $500 at selection of lot, and $1000 prior to closing)
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Search for opportunities to integrate the family into Habitat activities.
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Mediate in times of conflict.
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Encourage your family to tap into appropriate community resources.
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Help identify any special needs the partner family may have (i.e. Are they able to read? Do they need literacy education? Child care issues? Transportation to be able to go to the home site to perform sweat equity hours? Budget issues?)
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Meet regularly with the family throughout the sweat equity and home building process to ensure that the family will be able to support the number of sweat equity hours required.
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Encourage the family to attend the mandatory all day education sessions held on an as needed basis in January and November. These sessions are mandatory for home ownership and must be completed before a family can move into their home.
Your role as a mentor is not to be the enforcer of the Habitat policies, but rather to establish a close working friendship with the family and to be sensitive to their needs.
A balance between giving needed assistance and establishing independence is a primary goal of the mentor with the family.
Keep a Family Tracking Worksheet (included in the Mentor manual) that will be helpful for keeping notes about visits as well as giving suggestions.
Help to coordinate the dedication and move in process. Help advise about home maintenance as needed after closing.
